Idaho does not require a concealed carry permit for individuals over the age of 21 to carry a concealed firearm. However, the state will issue concealed permits for the purposes of reciprocity. Furthermore, the state will issue concealed permits to persons 18-21 years old provided they meet all other requirements. Applicants should apply with the Sheriff of the county. That permit must be renewed after the applicant turns 21. However, other permits are valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. Idaho also has an enhanced concealed carry permit that has additional requirements, including competency based training with live fire exercises The state also issues non-resident permits, and accepts any valid CCW from other states. Idaho concealed carry holders can carry in 38 other states.
This information was last updated in January 2019.
Table of Contents
Idaho Concealed Carry By The Numbers
Average Cost in Dollars
# of States That Accept ID License
# of Years Valid
Minimum Age
# of Days To Get A Permit
Reciprocity Map for Idaho
Use the tabs below to display states that will accept an Idaho concealed carry permit or those states that Idaho will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.
States That Honor Idaho Concealed Carry
- Alabama
- Alaska – Idaho Enhanced ONLY
- Arizona – Idaho Enhanced ONLY
- Arkansas
- Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
- Delaware – Idaho Enhanced ONLY
- Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine – Resident Permit ONLY
- Michigan
- Minnesota – Idaho Enhanced ONLY
- Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada – Idaho Enhanced ONLY
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico – Idaho Enhanced ONLY
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania – Idaho Enhanced ONLY
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington – Idaho Enhanced ONLY
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Idaho Will Honor The Following States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Idaho recognizes any permit issued by another state under Section 18-3302 of Idaho state code.
How To Apply for an Idaho Concealed Carry License
Can I get a concealed carry permit in Idaho?
Idaho is a shall issue state, for the purposes of reciprocity. However, residents of the state over the age of 21 are permitted to carry concealed without a permit if they are not otherwise disqualified from obtaining a permit. Anyone who is 18 years old can also carry concealed without a permit outside of city limits/confines as long as they would not be disqualified from obtaining a permit as well.
Enhanced concealed carry permits in Idaho have a special set of requirements, and all of them must be met. These include being a resident for a minimum of 6 consecutive months, enhanced competency training, and be at least 21 years old.
Relevant Code(s):
What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in ID?
Idaho will issue concealed permits to people between the ages of 18 and 21. These individuals will need to meet all other licensing requirements, excepting the age requirement. That permit will expire on their 21st birthday, and the individual will need to renew/reapply for their permit. Enhanced concealed carry permits are ONLY available to individuals who are 21 years or older.
Relevant Code(s):
Who issues a concealed carry permit in Idaho?
The Sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides issues the concealed permit. In emergency instances, where a protection order is present, a temporary license can be issued from the Sheriff of the county of temporary residence. Furthermore, non-residents are also issued a permit from the Sheriff of the county, who issues a permit on behalf of the state.
Relevant Code(s):
How long is an Idaho concealed carry permit good for?
Except under circumstances where a permit is issued to someone between the ages of 18-21, an Idaho concealed carry permit is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.
Relevant Code(s):
Does ID issue concealed permits to non-residents?
Idaho does issue non-resident concealed carry permits, according to the following excerpt from Idaho code:
“The sheriff of a county, on behalf of the state of Idaho, must, within ninety (90) days after the filing of a license application by any person who is not disqualified as provided herein from possessing or receiving a firearm under state or federal law, issue a license to the person to carry concealed weapons on his person within this state.“
However, illegal aliens are not subject to this, nor are citizens of the U.S. who have renounced their citizenship.
Enhanced concealed carry permits are available to residents ONLY.
Relevant Code(s):
How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?
Under Idaho code, an applicant must be issued a concealed permit within 90 days, if they are not disqualified.
Relevant Code(s):
How much does a concealed carry permit cost?
For initial concealed carry permits the state collects a fee of $20. However, if additional costs occur during the process of evaluating the application, the sheriff may collect further funds. Renewals incur a fee of $15.
Relevant Code(s):
What are the accepted forms of competency training?
The sheriff may require proof of competency as part of the application process. There is a list of firearm training programs that must be accepted, including:
- hunter education or hunter safety course
- NRA safety or training course
- Courses taught by Idaho state police
The code does not seem to require active shooting training or range time as part of the competency component. Therefore, online training may be accepted. Ultimately, it is at the discretion of the sheriff to decide if a course is sufficient should it not be on the listed courses in the code.
However, in order to obtain an enhanced concealed permit in Idaho, online training is not accepted. Courses must be taught face to face, be at least 8 hours in duration, and include a live fire component.
Relevant Code(s):
Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in Idaho
Is Idaho an Open Carry State?
Idaho is an open carry state. According to the following excerpt nothing shall impeded an individuals right to carry a firearm in plain view.
“[…]shall not apply to restrict or prohibit the carrying or possession of: (a) Any deadly weapon located in plain view;“
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?
Individuals are permitted to carry an unloaded firearm in their vehicle, either in a case or not. Adhere to any federal laws regarding transport of firearms.
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Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?
State law preempts any local ordinance, and therefore, individuals are able to carry concealed in parks. However, this information was extrapolated from the state constitution. It is advised that you seek clarification from your attorney general or the park you will be visiting.
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Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?
Idaho does not prohibit carrying of a firearm in restaurants. However, there is a section of the code dedicated to prohibiting concealed carry under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?
Idaho does not prohibit carrying a concealed firearm in places of worship. The code has a limited scope regarding places where individuals are forbidden to carry their firearm. Reference the below code(s) for clarification. There is no difference between enhanced and regular concealed carry permits.
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?
Individuals are not forbidden to carry a concealed firearm in banks or other financial institutions. Some government facilities and schools are off limits for individuals who are concealed carrying. See the below code(s) for clarification. This holds true for both regular and enhanced permits.
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?
Nothing in the Idaho state code prevents individuals from carrying in hospitals. This holds true for both regular and enhanced concealed carry permits. However, I highly recommend that you obey any posted signage declaring an area gun-free.
Relevant Code(s):
The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.